Ducks Unlimited conducted a Youth Skeet Shoot at the Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association Range on September 6th, 2017. This event was for youths (11-16 yrs). Pre-registration was made easy via email through Robyn at the Ducks Unlimited office. No experience was needed and this skeet shoot provided an excellent opportunity to get ready for Hunting Season. National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day is September 16, 2017.

Greenwing programs coordinator Chris Benson supplied a handful of shotguns although all youths were encouraged to bring their own if they had one. Chris ran a safe handling and operation of firearms course prior to the event. He was the main spotter for each youth who shot from a safe zone. He instructed them as well as reminded them of safe handling which resulted in every single youth to hit the clay targets while emphasizing their safe handling of firearms. 9 of these youths were novices. Chris also supplied enough shells for all 11 youths to shoot approximately 30 rounds each with some low recoil shots for first time shotgunners. Skeet was supplied by Ducks Unlimited. The novices were hesitant at first but after the first round all were keen to skeet shoot after that. It was exciting to see those clays getting a direct hit and shatter in the air. Some waterfowl education and duck calling demonstrations were also provided. Free skeets, free shots, free food, free hats & duck calls – what youth wouldn’t like that! This was a great confidence builder for all.

The BBQ consisting of hot dogs and drinks was provided by Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association. Ducks Unlimited provided hats and duck calls to each participant after the BBQ.

Many thanks to DU Darren Zalusky who organized this event. Thanks also to DU Brad Porath for his support and for running the clay throwers. Other key supporters helping to organize and coordinate the shoot were Allen Hunnie, Ken Molinski, Tammy Molinski, Brett Steffes and Duane Zieske. Couldn’t have done this without all of you.

*SAFETY FIRST! All Firearms must be unloaded until at the firing line. All participants must have a federal PAL (Possession and Acquisition Permit). A brief safety seminar will take place prior to the shooting events.

For further information call: Bob Austman at 204-268-1140

People need to pre-register by email only at rmaustman(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com

As you know, your club Executive have been working with the RM and area residents to address a petition presented to RM of Brokenhead Council on February 14, 2017. As a result, the BRGFA has worked with the Reeve and CAO to find ways to address these concerns while also serving the 150 dues-paying members of our club.

Club efforts to increase safety and education started long before the BRGFA applied to the RM for permission to construct the shooting range south of HWY44 on 47E. As a community-minded non-profit organization, the BRGFA observed growing concern with areas like Seddons Corner, Mars Sand Hills, and gravel pits throughout the RM. We heard about unmanaged shooting, increased uses by other outdoor activities (e.g., recreational vehicles), and general concerns with safety and litter.

Core charter members of our club and a group of hard working volunteers worked with contributions by local businesses and in cooperation with RM Council Members at the time to select the current location of the range. This was a negotiated decision that enabled the BRGFA to build a shooting range that provides a safe place to practice responsible firearms handling, as well as to offer educational programs related to conservation, youth mentorship, and outdoors activities.

At the April 5, 2017 monthly meeting, members provided direction to the BRGFA Executive as to how the club might address resident concerns while maintaining the shooting range as a key service to our members. The Executive discussed several options with the RM and area residents. The following list contains changes to the Shooting Range operations to address resident concerns:

The range is now open from 9am-9pm to ensure activities at the range only occur during reasonable hours (we will post a sign as soon as it is ready).

No major shooting events will be scheduled for other important days, including Good Friday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Remembrance Day, New Year’s Day, or other days requested by area residents for special events (e.g., weddings, reunions, auctions, etc).

These changes are effective on June 1, 2017, and are a first attempt to address concerns about the operation of the shooting range. They will be reviewed regularly by the BRGFA Executive. Members will be updated at monthly meetings. My hope is that these first steps will help the club be a good neighbour, while continuing to offer a safe place for firearms education and practice in the RM of Brokenhead.

Thank you to Seven Sisters for hosting another successful Shooting Skills Day. Special thanks to Wayne and Gary for organizing and running this event and also to our own BRG&FA Members who volunteered to help with this event.